Facial Contouring With Dermal Fillers and Implants

Patients have surgical and nonsurgical options when it comes to adding volume to specific areas of the face. The chin, cheeks, and jaw are prominent facial features that may need contour and definition to keep you looking younger.

For many patients adding back volume lost to aging, or creating better contours, can have dramatic results. If you’ve decided to redefine your facial contour with added volume, you just need to decide if injections or implants will be the right choice to meet your needs.

Facts About Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a temporary solution to provide volume in key areas of the face. Injectable treatments are primarily used for anti-aging measures like diminishing lines and wrinkles or restoring volume to the lips. Some formulas are strong enough to add the necessary volume to make a weak chin bigger or plump up the cheeks as needed.

There are many different types of dermal fillers available in today’s market, all of which have their own intended uses for best results. Dr. Bustillo uses two types of dermal fillers:

Hyaluronic acids like Restylane and Juvederm

Calcium hydroxyapatite fillers like Radiesse

Hyaluronic acids last about six months. They are used aesthetically to treat wrinkles and facial creases. Calcium hydroxyapatite fillers are used by Dr. Bustillo for facial contouring, like cheek augmentation, and deep facial creases and folds. A treatment with Radiesse lasts about one year.

A Way to Preview Your Results

One big benefit to volume-enhancing dermal filler treatment is the ability you’ll have to get a sneak peek at what a permanent implant might look like. Taking that big step toward permanent change can be nerve-wracking, so often the temporary results of dermal fillers are a good way for patients to ease their way toward surgery and get a preview of their anticipated results. Some of the heavier fillers can do a good job mimicking the results of an implant so you can get used to having the extra volume in your chin, cheeks, or jaw.

Facts About Facial Implants

Facial implants are a choice for patients seeking permanent volume for the chin. Men and women are often satisfied with the balance facial implants can provide when placed appropriately. Along the chin, implants bolster a weak chin or jawline and balance facial proportions through a procedure called mentoplasty.

The facial implants used in mentoplasty, or chin augmentation, are made of solid silicone. They are affixed to the supporting bone structure for permanent stability. Implants are easily added to another surgery as a way to create better facial proportion, such as when a chin implant is coupled with rhinoplasty.

The surgery for an implant is typically an outpatient procedure performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the work requested. Most patients are able to return to work within one week. Exercise and other strenuous activities can be resumed after three weeks. Some minimal bruising, swelling, and discomfort is normal. These symptoms will subside on their own, but Dr. Bustillo will prescribe any necessary pain medication and offer other advice on managing uncomfortable side effects.

Costs of Implants vs. Injections

Budgets are tight for many patients these days, so it’s very common for cost to play a factor in a choice between implants and injections. Generally speaking, a one-time dermal filler treatment will cost much less than a facial implant surgery. Keep in mind, however, that patients who need to add a greater amount of volume will pay more for dermal fillers to accomplish the same results as an implant.

Furthermore, if you’re getting touch-ups every six to 12 months on your dermal filler treatment, your lifetime costs will wind up much higher than one implant surgery. It all depends on what you’re able to manage financially now and over the course of the long-term. For some patients, it is a worthwhile investment to put off surgery until you can save up the money for the implant surgery.

Contact Dr. Bustillo and Schedule Your Facial Contouring Consultation

Consult with a facial plastic surgeon if you’re considering dermal filler treatments. A facial plastic surgeon with experience in both implants and dermal fillers can give you an expert opinion about which might better suit your needs. There are personal factors to consider, such as your own facial characteristics and proportions, so don’t make up your mind until you’ve thought about every factor.

Dr. Andres Bustillo, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a facial plastic surgeon with extensive knowledge, experience, and outstanding qualifications. He is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery (ABOto) — one of a select few double board certified facial plastic surgeons. As a facial specialist, he does not treat any other area of the body. This specialization allows him to get the best results for patients with a wide range of facial shapes, features, and skin types. He is on the cutting edge of the latest advancements.

Dr. Bustillo has built his reputation by producing natural, long-lasting results. Over 50 percent of his practice is dedicated to rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. The rest is devoted to other types of facial rejuvenation surgery. He performs over 300 nasal surgeries a year. Twenty-five percent of his patients come from outside the United States. Twenty percent of his patients are other doctors and their families.

He and his team can be contacted by phone at 305-663-3380, or by email through the contact form. The office of Dr. Bustillo is here to answer your questions, and help you to plan your initial consultation. You can also directly contact our patient care coordinator, Jessica, by email. Dr. Bustillo is committed to total patient care and support through his practice based just south of Miami in beautiful and historic Coral Gables, Florida.